Vortex pneumatic conveyance system and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus and system creates a vortex from blown and/or pressurized gas or air rotating along the inner wall of an outlet tube to convey particles through a vacuum created within the center of the outlet tube at a relatively high flow rate and pressure. Without the blown and/or pressurized air molecules taking up space and colliding with the particles in the center of the outlet tube and because of the strong suction created by the vortex of air rotating along the inner wall of the outlet tube, the efficiency of the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus of this application is improved relative to well-known pneumatic conveyors in which air merely pushes the particles within an outlet tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/316,125, filed Dec. 9, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,242,807. Thedisclosure of the application referenced is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application generally relates to pneumatic conveyors, and moreparticularly relates to a vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus thatcreates a vortex to convey particles at a relatively high flow rate andpressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many industries produce waste, which can have an undesirable effect onhuman health and the environment. The collection of industrial waste fordisposal or recycling is typically difficult and expensive. Currently,various systems are used to collect waste by using a blower, i.e.,pneumatic conveyor, and a filtering means to separate waste from flowingair at the source of the industrial waste. For example, present dustcollectors, such as wet dust collectors, dry dust collectors, dustcollectors including bag filters, and dust collectors includingelectromagnetic filters, can be used to separate dust from blown air. Inwet dust collectors, for example, a water bath scrubber separates thedust from the blown air and in dust collectors including bag filters,the blown air passes through the pores of a solid membrane to collectthe dust.

However, the efficiencies of known dust collectors mostly depend on theefficiency of the filtering means and the lower the efficiency of thefiltering means, the more energy and suction pressure is required by theblower. As such, typical blowers are not suitable for many applicationsdue to their weak suction pressure and are not practical in applicationsthat require a large volume of dust collection. The weak suction oftypical blowers is due to their poor designs. In examples of typicalblowers including fans to create suction, the particles being conveyedcollide with the rotating fan blades, which deform or break over time,thereby lowering the suction pressure of the blowers. In other examplesof typical blowers using compressed air, the particles being conveyedmust travel within the stream of compressed air, thereby lowering thevolume of particles that can be sucked.

As such, a new, more efficient pneumatic conveyor is needed to conveyparticles at a relatively higher flow rate and pressure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus is disclosed. The vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus includes an inlet tube, the proximal endof the inlet tube defining a particle inlet configured to receiveparticles to be conveyed, an air inlet located along the inlet tube, theair inlet configured to receive air from an air source, a vortex memberlocated at the distal end of the inlet tube, the vortex membercomprising at least two spiral members located on the outside wall ofthe vortex member, and an outlet tube at least partially extending fromthe distal end of the vortex member, the proximal end of the outlet tubedefining a particle outlet configured to output the particles to beconveyed.

The vortex member is configured to direct the air along the at least twospiral members so that the air rotates along the inner wall of theoutlet tube and the length of the outlet tube extending from the distalend of the vortex member is at least 40% of the length of the pitch ofthe air rotating along the inner wall of the outlet tube. In someimplementations, the air received at the air inlet can be pressurizedair received from a pressurized air source. The air source can be an aircompressor or blower. The air velocity of the air received at the airinlet can be at least two meters per second.

In some implementations, the particles to be conveyed can be gasparticles, liquid particles, solid particles, dense particles, sludge,and/or slurry. The vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus can beconfigured to be used in dust collectors, sand blasters, water pumps,sludge pumps, vortex tubes, industrial vacuum cleaners, domestic vacuumcleaners, vacuum trucks, or spraying devices.

In some implementations, the inner diameter of the outlet tube can beequal to the outer diameter of the vortex member and the height of theat least two spiral members. The height of the at least two spiralmembers of the vortex member can be at most 50% or 30% of the innerdiameter of the inlet tube. The at least two spiral members located onthe outside wall of the vortex member can extend along the entire lengthof the vortex member. At least four spiral members can be located on theoutside wall of the vortex member. The inner diameter of the outlet tubecan be consistent along the entire length of the outlet tube.

In some implementations, a tapered cap can be configured to direct theair to the at least two spiral members located on the outside wall ofthe vortex member. In some implementations, the vortex member can beintegral to the inlet tube or separate from and connected to the inlettube.

A particle conveyance system is also disclosed. The particle conveyancesystem includes a particle source, at least one vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus configured to receive particles from the particlesource, and a particle collection area configured to receive theparticles conveyed from the particle source, the particle collectionarea including an exhaust. The at least one vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatus includes an inlet tube, the proximal end of the inlet tubedefining a particle inlet configured to receive the particles from theparticle source, an air inlet located along the inlet tube, the airinlet configured to receive air from an air source, a vortex memberlocated at the distal end of the inlet tube, the vortex membercomprising at least two spiral members located on the outside wall ofthe vortex member, and an outlet tube at least partially extending fromthe distal end of the vortex member, the proximal end of the outlet tubedefining a particle outlet configured to output the particles from theparticle source.

The vortex member is configured to direct the air along the at least twospiral members so that the air rotates along the inner wall of theoutlet tube and the length of the outlet tube extending from the distalend of the vortex member is at least 40% of the length of the pitch ofthe air rotating along the inner wall of the outlet tube.

In some implementations, the at least one vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatus can include two or more vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatuses connected in series or in parallel.

In some implementations, the particle collection area further caninclude one or more water spray nozzles configured to settle theparticles from the particle source at the bottom of the particlecollection area.

Details of one or more implementations and/or embodiments of the vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other aspects that can beimplemented will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention willbecome better understood with regard to the following description,appended claims, and accompanying Drawings where:

FIG. 1 illustrates the separate parts of an implementation of the vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective, partially cutaway view of a fullyassembled implementation of the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side, partially cutaway view of the flow pattern ofair traveling within the implementation of the vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side, partially cutaway view of the flow pattern ofparticles to be conveyed by the implementation of the vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus;

FIG. 5 illustrates an operating environment in which the vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus can be used to remove particles; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective, partially cutaway view of anotherimplementation of a vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus.

Like reference symbols indicate like elements throughout thespecification and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus of the present applicationcreates a vortex from blown and/or pressurized air rotating along theinner wall of an outlet tube to convey particles through a vacuumcreated within the center of the outlet tube at a relatively high flowrate and pressure. Without the blown and/or pressurized air moleculestaking up space and colliding with the particles in the center of theoutlet tube and because of the strong suction created by the vortex ofair rotating along the inner wall of the outlet tube, the efficiency ofthe vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus of this application isimproved relative to well-known pneumatic conveyors in which the airmerely pushes the particles within an outlet tube.

In addition to the increased suction pressure and efficiency, otheradvantages of the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus of thisapplication include high reliability as the vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatus does not include any moving parts, high efficiency becausethere is no filter located in the path of the particles, low cost ofmanufacture, and the ability install the apparatus further from theparticle source, which may be necessary in hazardous operatingenvironments.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the DRAWINGS, the separate parts of animplementation of the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 areillustrated. Any type of particle can be transferred by the vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus 10, such as, for example, gas particles,liquid particles, solid particles, dense particles, sludge, and/orslurry. The vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 includes an inlettube 12 having a flange 14 near its proximal end and a vortex member 16including spiral members 28 at its distal end, an air cover tube 18having an air inlet 20, a tapered cap 21, and an outlet tube 22.

The inlet tube 12 defines a particle inlet 24 that receives theparticles for conveyance and the outlet tube 22 defines a particleoutlet 26 that outputs the particles being conveyed. The air inlet 20receives air from an air source, such as, for example, an air compressoror blower through a flexible and/or solid tube. In some implementations,the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 can be completely or partlymade of any strong, stiff, durable, and anticorrosive material, such as,for example, one or more metals, such as iron and/or aluminum, metalalloys, such as steel, plastic, fiberglass, wood, and a combinationthereof.

To assemble the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10, the air covertube 18 is slid over the vortex member 16 and along the inlet tube 12 tothe flange 14. In some implementations, the inner and outer diameters ofthe air cover tube 18 can be consistent along its length, while in otherimplementations, the inner diameter and/or outer diameter of the aircover tube 18 can vary along its length. The flange 14 has a diameterequal to or greater than the inner diameter of the air cover tube 18 sothat the air flowing into the air inlet 20 cannot escape from theproximal end of the air cover tube 18. Preferably, the flange 14 has adiameter equal to the outer diameter of the air cover tube 18. In someimplementations, the air cover tube 18 can be connected to the flange 14by means of an adhesive, welding, screws, nuts, clamps, and/or othersecuring means.

Next, the tapered cap 21 is slid over the vortex member 16 and along theinlet tube 12 to the distal end of the air cover tube 18. The innerdiameter of the proximal end of the tapered cap 21 is equal to the innerdiameter of the distal end of the air cover tube so that the air cannotescape at the point of contact between the tapered cap 21 and the aircover tube 18. Preferably, the outer diameter of the proximal end of thetapered cap 21 is also equal to the outer diameter of the distal end ofthe air cover tube 18. The tapered cap 21 can be connected to the aircover tube 18 by means of an adhesive, welding, screws, nuts, clamps,and/or other securing means.

Finally, the outlet tube 22 is slid over the vortex member 16 to thedistal end of the tapered cap 21. The inner diameter of the proximal endof the outlet tube 22 is equal to the inner diameter of the distal endof the tapered cap 21 so that the air cannot escape at the point ofcontact between the outlet tube 22 and the tapered cap 21. Preferably,the outer diameter of the proximal end of the outlet tube 22 is alsoequal to the outer diameter of the distal end of the tapered cap 21. Theoutlet tube 22 can be connected to the tapered cap 21 by means of anadhesive, welding, screws, nuts, clamps, and/or other securing means.

In order to achieve the minimum suction pressure, the length of theoutlet tube 22 following the distal end of the vortex member 16, i.e.,the region in which the air begins to rotate around the inner wall ofthe outlet tube 22, must be at least 40% of the pitch of the air. Inother words, the air must complete almost one-half of a completerotation following its exit from the vortex member 16 in the outlet tube22 for the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 to achieve itsminimum suction pressure. Moreover, the diameter of the outlet tube 22following the distal end of the vortex member 16 must be uniform inorder to achieve suction pressure and must not include any obstructionthat can create turbulence such as, for example, a reduction in diameterin the path of the particles by, for example, a diffuser, or a bendand/or curve in the path of the particles.

A perspective, partially cutaway view of the fully assembled vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2 of theDRAWINGS.

The vortex member 16 includes two or more and, preferably, four spiralmembers 28. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the spiral members 28 have aheight extending from the outer wall of the vortex member 16 equal to amaximum of 50% of the inner diameter of the inlet tube and, preferably,a maximum of 30% of the inner diameter of the inlet tube. The innerdiameter of the distal end of the tapered cap 21, which is equal to theinner diameter of the proximal end of the outlet tube 22, is equal tothe outer diameter of the inlet tube 12 plus the height of the spiralmembers 28 from the outer wall of the inlet tube 12. In someimplementations, the vortex member 16 can be integral to the inlet tube12 while in other implementations, the vortex member 16 can be separatefrom and connected to the inlet tube 12.

The diameters of the inlet tube 12 and the outlet tube 22 can depend onthe suction pressure required to convey the particles, the type ofparticles being conveyed, and the desired flow rate of particles. Forexample, the higher the desired flow rate of particles, the larger thediameters of the inlet tube 12 and the outlet tube 22. The length of thevortex member 16 and the pitch of the spiral members 28 can also dependon the pressure required to convey the particles, the type of particlesbeing conveyed, and the desired flow rate. For example, to conveyrelatively heavy particles, either the pressure and/or air velocityinput to the air inlet 20 should be increased or the pitch length of thespiral members 28 should be decreased. In addition, to convey theparticles over a longer distance, the pitch length of the spiral members28 should be increased, which also decreases the suction pressure of thevortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10.

Referring to FIG. 3 of the DRAWINGS, the flow pattern of the airtraveling within the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 isillustrated by directional arrows within a side, partially cutaway viewof the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10. Initially, the air isreceived from an air compressor or blower (not shown) into the air inlet20 of the air cover tube 18. To achieve adequate suction pressure, thevelocity of the air input into the air inlet 20 must be at least twometers per second to a maximum of the speed of sound, which is 343.2meters per second. The greater the air velocity input into the air inlet20, the greater the suction pressure achieved by the vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus 10. In some implementations, the air can bepressurized, whereas in other implementations, the air can beunpressurized. The air is forced towards the distal end of the air covertube 18 by the flange 14 and into the tapered cap 21. The tapered innerwalls of the tapered cap 21 direct the air to a small, concentricopening at the distal end of the tapered cap 21 equal to the height ofthe spiral members 28. The air is then forced against the spiral members28 which cause the air to rotate around the inner wall of the outlettube 22, thereby creating a vortex in the outlet tube 22. The vortexcauses a low pressure field, i.e., a vacuum, to form in the center ofthe outlet tube 22, which sucks in air from the inlet tube 12.

Referring to FIG. 4 of the DRAWINGS, the flow pattern of the particlesto be conveyed by the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 isillustrated by directional arrows within a side, partially cutaway viewof the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10. As shown, the particlesare initially sucked into the particle inlet 24 and travel through theinlet tube 12, the vortex member 16, and the center of the outlet tube22. Because the particles travel through the vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatus 10 without obstruction by, for example, a reduction indiameter in the path of the particles by, for example, a diffuser, or abend and/or curve in the path of the particles, the suction pressure atthe particle inlet 24 is the same as the suction pressure at theparticle outlet 26. In other words, because the particle path throughthe vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 is not impeded, maximumsuction pressure is achieved. Moreover, because the air rotates aroundthe inner wall of the outlet tube 22 and does not enter the center ofthe outlet tube, the air molecules do not take up space or collide withthe particles being conveyed in the center of the outlet, therebyachieving maximum suction pressure.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the DRAWINGS, an operating environment in whichthe vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 can be used to removeparticles that may be located in inaccessible and/or hazardous areas isillustrated. As shown, air from a source, such as, for example, an aircompressor and/or blower is fed into the vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatus 10. Particles from a particle source 50 are sucked into thevortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 through the particle inlet 24.In some implementations, a hose and/or tube can be connected to theparticle inlet 24 in order to extend the length of the inlet tube 12.

The particles sucked into the particle inlet 24 then pass through thevortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 as described above inconnection with FIG. 4 and exit the particle outlet 26. In someimplementations, a hose and/or tube 52 can be connected to the particleoutlet 26 in order to extend the length of the outlet tube 22.Preferably, however, the diameter of any hose and/tube 52 connected tothe particle outlet 26 should be equal or greater than the diameter ofthe particle outlet 26. Because of the suction pressure generated by thevortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10, the particles can be conveyeda significant distance and/or altitude.

The particles passing through the hose and/or tube 52 are directed intoa particle collection area 54. The particle collection area 54 caninclude an exhaust 56 at its top to allow air to vent. In someimplementations, the particle collection area 54 can include one or morewater spray nozzles (not shown) to help settle the particles at thebottom of the particle collection area 54. In some implementations,depending on the pressure of the air leaving the exhaust 56, the exhaust56 can be connected to the air inlet 20 of another vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus 10.

Referring to FIG. 6 of the DRAWINGS, a perspective, partially cutawayview of another implementation of a vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatus 60 is illustrated. The vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus60 includes an inlet tube 62 having a flange 64 near its proximal endand a vortex member 66 including spiral members 78 at its distal end, anair cover tube 68 having an air inlet 70, and an outlet tube 72. Theinlet tube 62 defines a particle inlet 74 that receives the particlesfor conveyance and the outlet tube 72 defines a particle outlet 76 thatoutputs the particles being conveyed. The air inlet 70 receives airfrom, for example, an air compressor and/or blower through a flexibleand/or solid tube. The air cover tube 68 is at least tapered at itsdistal end to direct the air into the spiral members 78 of the vortexmember 66. The inlet tube 62 can be connected to the outlet tube 72 by,for example, nuts and bolts. In some implementations, the vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus 60 can be completely or partly made ofany strong, stiff, durable, and anticorrosive material, such as, forexample, one or more metals, such as iron and/or aluminum, metal alloys,such as steel, plastic, fiberglass, wood, and a combination thereof.

In some implementations, two or more vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatuses can be used in serial. For example, if the distance thatmaterial must be conveyed is more than that which a single vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus is capable of conveying, multiple vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatuses can be placed at different points inthe path of transfer to boost the pressure of conveyance. In oneparticular example, if the outlet tube of a first vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus is directly connected to the inlet tube of a secondvortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus in series, then the second vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus must be larger than the first vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus because the diameter of the inlet tube ofthe second vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus must be equal to theoutlet tube of the first vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus, which islarger than the diameter of the inlet tube of the first vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus by the height of the spiral members.

In some implementations, two or more vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatuses can be used in parallel to increase the amount of materialbeing transferred. In some implementations, if the amount of material tobe transferred is being produced at a rate greater than that which asingle vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus can transfer, or if theareas in which the material to be transferred is being produced arespaced apart such that a single vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatuscannot simultaneously access all of those areas, multiple vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatuses can be used in parallel to transfer thematerial.

In some implementations, a single source of air can be input to the twoor more vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatuses, whereas in otherimplementations, different sources of air can be input to the two ormore vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatuses.

The vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 can be used in a variety ofapplications, such as, for example, dust collectors, sand blasters,water pumps, sludge pumps, vortex tubes, industrial or domestic vacuumcleaners, vacuum trucks, and spraying devices, such as paint sprayers.The vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 can be used to transfergranular particles, such as sand, gravel, pebbles, pellets, and/orgrains.

In some implementations, rather than receive air in the air inlet 20from an air compressor and/or blower, the vortex member 16 having thespiral members 28 can be configured to rotate about its horizontal axisto create the at least two meters per second of air flow necessary forsuction in the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10. The vortexmember 16 can include a motor, such as an electrical motor, connected toa power source to power its rotation. In addition, the air cover tube 18and/or the tapered cap 21 can include vents as the sources of air to beblown by the rotating vortex member.

In some implementations, if the difference in air pressure between theparticle inlet 24 and the particle outlet 26 is at least one bar, thetemperature of the air and particles exiting the particle outlet 26 willbe lower than the temperature of the air and particles entering particleinlet 24. Therefore, in some implementations, the vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus 10 can be used to cool particles or transfer hotparticles more safely.

In some implementations, another gas can be input into the air inlet 20of the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 in the place of airdepending on the application environment of the vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus 10. For example, oxygen, nitrogen, helium, and/orargon can be input into the air inlet 20. In some implementations, aliquid, such as, for example, water, can be input into the air inlet 20of the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus 10 in the place of air.

In some implementations, another structure that is capable of rotatingthe air around the inner wall of the outlet tube 22 can be used in placeof the vortex member 16 having the spiral members 28 in the vortexpneumatic conveyance apparatus 10. For example, one or more curvedchannels can be defined in a hollow cylinder and used in place of thevortex member 16 to rotate the air around the inner wall of the outlettube 22 and create a vortex within the outlet tube 22.

It is to be understood that the disclosed implementations are notlimited to the particular processes, devices, and/or apparatus describedwhich may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in thisapplication, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

Reference in the specification to “one implementation” or “animplementation” means that a particular feature, structure,characteristic, or function described in connection with theimplementation is included in at least one implementation herein. Theappearances of the phrase “in some implementations” in the specificationdo not necessarily all refer to the same implementation.

Accordingly, other embodiments and/or implementations are within thescope of this application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vortex pneumatic apparatus comprising: an inlettube having an inlet at a proximal end thereof; at least one outsideinlet connected to said inlet tube, said at least one outside inletconfigured to receive gases from an outside source; a vortex member,said vortex member disposed at the distal end of said inlet tube, saidvortex member comprising at least two spiral members thereon along theoutside wall thereof, said vortex member configured to direct gases toand through said spiral members; and an outlet tube, a proximal end ofsaid outlet tube connected to said inlet tube at the distal end thereof,and covering said vortex member, whereby in operation said vortex membercauses said gases passing through said spiral members to rotate alongthe inner wall of said outlet tube, wherein the distal end of saidoutlet tube extends past said vortex member in a consistent directionwithout obstruction at least 40% of the pitch length of the gasesrotating along the inner wall of said outlet tube, and wherein, inoperation, particles enter said inlet tube at said proximal end thereofand exit said distal end of said outlet tube.
 2. The vortex pneumaticapparatus of claim 1, wherein said gases are air.
 3. The vortexpneumatic apparatus of claim 2, wherein said air is pressurized andcoming from an air compressor or blower.
 4. The vortex pneumaticapparatus of claim 1, wherein the gases received at said outside inletare pressurized gases from a pressurized source.
 5. The vortex pneumaticapparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of said outlet tube isequal to the outer diameter of said vortex member and the height of saidat least two spiral members.
 6. The vortex pneumatic apparatus of claim1, wherein the height of said at least two spiral members of said vortexmember is at most 50% of the inner diameter of said inlet tube.
 7. Thevortex pneumatic apparatus of claim 6, wherein the height of said atleast two spiral members of said vortex member is at most 30% of theinner diameter of said inlet tube.
 8. The vortex pneumatic apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said inlet tube further comprises: a cover tube, saidcover tube having a diameter larger than said inlet tube and configuredaround said inlet tube, said at least one outside inlet being connectedto said cover tube; a flange, said flange closing a proximal end of saidcover tube; and a tapered cap affixed to the distal end of and closingsaid cover tube, said tapered cap configured to direct the gases fromsaid at least one outside inlet to said at least two spiral memberslocated along the outside wall of said vortex member.
 9. The vortexpneumatic apparatus of claim 8, wherein said inlet tube, outlet tube,cover tube, flange and tapered cap are connected to each other by anaffixation selected from the group consisting of adhesive, welding,screws, nuts, clamps and combinations thereof.
 10. The vortex pneumaticapparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of said outlet tube isconsistent along the entire length of said outlet tube without a bend,curve or obstruction therealong.
 11. The vortex pneumatic apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said vortex member comprises at least four spiralmembers located along the outside wall thereof.
 12. The vortex pneumaticapparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least two spiral members locatedon the outside wall of said vortex member extend along the entire lengthof said vortex member.
 13. The vortex pneumatic apparatus of claim 1,wherein said vortex member is integral to said inlet tube.
 14. Thevortex pneumatic apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vortex member isseparate from and connected to said inlet tube.
 15. The vortex pneumaticapparatus of claim 1, wherein the velocity of the gas received at saidoutside inlet and delivered to said inlet tube is at least two metersper second.
 16. The vortex pneumatic apparatus of claim 1, wherein thetemperature of materials received at said inlet tube is greater than thetemperature of the materials exiting said outlet tube.
 17. The vortexpneumatic apparatus of claim 1, wherein particles to be conveyed throughsaid apparatus comprise gas particles, liquid particles, solidparticles, dense particles, sand, gravel, pebbles, pellets, grains,sludge, and/or slurry.
 18. The vortex pneumatic apparatus of claim 1,wherein said vortex pneumatic apparatus is configured to be used in dustcollectors, sand blasters, water pumps, sludge pumps, vortex tubes,industrial vacuum cleaners, domestic vacuum cleaners, vacuum trucks,paint sprayers, or spraying devices.
 19. The vortex pneumatic apparatusof claim 1, wherein said vortex member rotates.
 20. The vortex pneumaticapparatus of claim 1, wherein said vortex pneumatic apparatus is made ofa resilient material, said resilient material selected from the groupconsisting of iron, aluminum, metal alloys, steel, plastic, fiberglass,wood and combinations thereof.
 21. The vortex pneumatic apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said gases are selected from the group consisting ofoxygen, nitrogen, helium, argon, water, steam and combinations thereof.22. The vortex pneumatic apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least twospiral members are grooves within said vortex member, the outer diameterof said vortex member being substantially equal to the inner diameter ofsaid outlet tube.
 23. A particle conveyance system, comprising: aparticle source; at least one vortex pneumatic apparatus configured toreceive particles from said particle source, each said vortex pneumaticconveyance apparatus comprising: an inlet tube having an inlet at aproximal end thereof to receive said particles; at least one outsideinlet connected to said inlet tube, said at least one outside inletconfigured to receive gases from an outside source; a vortex member,said vortex member disposed at the distal end of said inlet tube, saidvortex member comprising at least two spiral members thereon along theoutside wall thereof, said vortex member configured to direct gases toand through said spiral members; and an outlet tube, a proximal end ofsaid outlet tube connected to said inlet tube at the distal end thereof,and covering said vortex member, whereby in operation said vortex membercauses said gases passing through said spiral members to rotate alongthe inner wall of said outlet tube, a distal end of said outlet tubeejecting said particles, wherein the distal end of said outlet tubeextends past said vortex member in a consistent direction withoutobstruction at least 40% of the pitch length of the gases rotating alongthe inner wall of said outlet tube; and a particle collection areaconfigured to receive said particles conveyed from said particle sourceby said at least one vortex pneumatic apparatus.
 24. The particleconveyance system of claim 23, wherein a plurality of said vortexpneumatic apparatus are configured to receive said particles from saidparticle source, at least two of said vortex pneumatic conveyanceapparatuses being connected in series.
 25. The particle conveyancesystem of claim 23, wherein a plurality of said vortex pneumaticapparatus are configured to receive said particles from said particlesource, at least two of said vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatusesbeing connected in parallel.
 26. The particle conveyance system of claim23, wherein the particle collection area further comprises at least onewater spray nozzle configured to settle the particles from the particlesource at the bottom of said particle collection area.